Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology and Methods in Research Simplified!

Summary

This video script demystifies the complex terms of ontology, epistemology, and methodology in research. It explains how beliefs about reality (ontology) shape the way knowledge is pursued (epistemology), which in turn dictates the systematic approach to discovering knowledge (methodology). The script contrasts realism and relativism, objective versus subjective research approaches, and highlights the importance of aligning research methods with the underlying philosophical beliefs to ensure a coherent study.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ontology refers to beliefs about reality, influencing how research is designed and interpreted.
• 🔍 Epistemology is the concept of the researcher's relationship to the research, dictating how knowledge is obtained and understood.
• 🌐 Methodology is the systematic approach to discovering and analyzing knowledge, distinct from methods which are specific techniques.
• 🧐 Realism is an ontology where one unchanging truth exists, discovered through objective measurements and generalizable to other contexts.
• 🌈 Relativism is an ontology that posits multiple realities based on individual perspectives and meanings, not generalizable.
• 🔬 The etic approach in research is objective, aiming to minimize the researcher's influence on the data, often associated with realism.
• 🤝 The emic approach in research is subjective, valuing the researcher's interaction with the subject to gain an in-depth understanding, often linked to relativism.
• 🔑 Experimental methodology is based on realism and an etic epistemology, seeking to prove causality and generalize findings.
• 🌟 Phenomenological studies are rooted in relativism and an emic epistemology, exploring lived experiences and contexts through in-depth interviews.
• ⚖️ Quantitative research often involves statistics and large sample sizes, while qualitative research uses smaller samples and thematic analysis.
• 🔑 The choice of ontology and epistemology dictates the methodology and methods used in research, which should align with the research question.

Q & A

What are the three key terms students are expected to learn about in the context of research?

The three key terms are ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Ontology refers to beliefs about reality, epistemology is about the relationship between the researcher and the research, and methodology is how knowledge is discovered and analyzed systematically.

Why is it important for students to understand these terms when studying research?

Understanding these terms allows students to critique studies, make informed decisions about what should be applied to their practice, and determine the validity and applicability of research findings.

What is the fundamental belief of realism in terms of ontology?

Realism is based on the belief that there exists one unchanging truth that can be discovered through objective measurements and generalized to other situations.

How does relativism differ from realism in its view of reality?

Relativism holds the belief that there are multiple versions of reality, and what is considered real depends on the meanings individuals attach to their experiences, making reality context-bound and not generalizable.

What is the relationship between ontology and epistemology?

Epistemology is influenced by ontology. A researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality (ontology) dictate their approach to knowledge gathering and the relationship they have with the subject of their study (epistemology).

What is the etic approach to research, and which view of reality does it correspond to?

The etic approach involves conducting research from an outsider's perspective, minimizing the researcher's influence on the data. It corresponds to the realist view of reality, which seeks objective truth.

How does the emic approach differ from the etic approach in research?

The emic approach is used by researchers who believe in a subjective understanding of reality. It involves interacting with subjects to gain in-depth insights, acknowledging or even embracing the researcher's influence on the study.

What is the difference between methodology and methods in research?

Methodology refers to the philosophies guiding how knowledge should be gathered and analyzed, while methods are the specific techniques used for data collection, such as interviews or surveys.

How does an experimental methodology reflect the beliefs of realism and etic epistemology?

An experimental methodology is designed to prove causation and discover objective truth. It is planned to eliminate contextual influences, uses deductive reasoning starting from a theory, and employs objective measurements like surveys.

What is phenomenology in research, and what ontological and epistemological beliefs does it reflect?

Phenomenology is a research approach that explores lived experiences through in-depth interviews and understanding the context. It reflects a relativist ontology and an emic epistemology, focusing on subjective truth and the researcher's interaction with the subject.

How can one distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies?

Quantitative research typically uses statistics and large sample sizes, while qualitative research uses smaller samples and thematic analysis. However, it's essential to look beyond these surface characteristics and consider the underlying ontological and epistemological beliefs.